Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?
A) I’ve been working like a crazy woman for the past two years, so in addition to “The Goldbergs” on ABC (Tuesday nights at 9:00pm) I also have lots of movies coming out next year…including Blended with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore; Think Like A Man 2 with Kevin Hart, Taraji Henson and the entire original cast; Single Mom’s Club with Amy Smart, Nia Long, Terry Crews and lots of other funny people; Merry Friggin’ Christmaswith Joel McHale, Lauren Graham, Robin Williams and Candace Bergen; and 10 Rules for Sleeping Around with Michael McKean, Tammin Sursok and Jesse Bradford. I also have some tiny indie films coming out, too.
Q) What can you tease fans will get to see from “TheGoldbergs” the rest of the season?
A) Fans will get to see Beverly put on her “Mom Goggles” – meaning you will see Bev become absolutely convinced that her children are the most talented kids on the planet. You’ll also see her try to chaperone Adam’s first dance at school. You can imagine how that turns out.
Q)What originally made you want to be a part of the show?
A) Last December, the show’s creator Adam Goldberg sent me a script and some clips of his home movies. I liked the script, but the home movie footage is what really sold me on the project. I just had to be a part of this crazy family. I couldn’t say yes fast enough!
Q) Beverly Goldberg is actually based on creator, Adam Goldberg’s, real life mother. Did you spend time with the real Beverly to get a true idea of how smothering yet loving you should be?
A) No. Actually, I didn’t meet the real Beverly until about three weeks ago. Based on what I’ve seen from the home movies, we’re toning the character down a lot! So I drew a lot from my own experiences with my mom and grandmother to play Beverly.
Q) Was there anything about your role as Beverly that wasn’t originally scripted for you that you added to the character?
A) I don’t think the real Beverly has the funky roller skating skills that I have, as evidenced in episode 2!
Q) You’re working with the hilarious Jeff Garlin. Was there instant chemistry when you began playing husband & wife?
A) Yes! I’ve been a fan of his for a long time and about a year ago he asked me if I wanted to play his wife in a pilot he was doing for ABC, but I was already on another pilot. Neither one of our pilots got picked up, which was fate bringing us together to do this! I absolutely adore him.
Q)George Segal stars as your father. What was your first impression of him?
A) I don’t remember my first impression of him, but I do remember being incredibly nervous because he is a Hollywood legend! I thought to myself, “I hope he doesn’t think I’m a moron!”
Q) You also play the mother of three. What would fans be surprised to know about each of them?
A) Well, this is Sean Giambrone and Hayley Orrantia’s first big acting job. I still have a hard time believing that because they are such pros. As for Troy Gentile, he’s the master of playing such a nerdy character with dignity. We spent no time together before we filmed the pilot. There was no time! So, the first time we met was at the table read. I couldn’t love them more if they were my own children!
Q)The show is set in the 80’s. Any complaints about your wardrobe?
A) Complaints? Who would complain about having to wear acid washed jumpsuits and hot pink leggings? Ugh! Everything I wear makes me look like a wildebeest.
Q)What has been your most memorable moment from filming “The Goldbergs?”
A) During the pilot, Adam Goldberg changed one of my lines as we were filming. That line change made me laugh so hard that they had to stop filming. I held up production for a good twenty minutes. I can’t tell you what the line is in case they bring it back and use it in a future episode, but I literally had to have my makeup reapplied.
Q)What do you think it is about “The Goldbergs” that has made it a quick fan favorite program?
A) Because although it’s set in the 80s, it’s relatable enough to be set in any decade. Parents clinging to their kids and kids trying to push their parents away will ALWAYS be a rich source of comedy.
Q)What is your biggest challenge balancing your work in film with your work on the show?
A) Until March 2014, I’m totally unavailable to do anything, but “The Goldbergs.” So I’ve had to turn some things down, but I’m fine with that. The real challenge comes from trying to balance my work and personal life and right now I have no social life whatsoever!
Q) You’re a part of social networking sites. Are you enjoying the instant feedback you’ve been receiving from fans about “The Goldbergs?”
A) I get such a kick out of live tweeting during the episodes! That immediate feedback is everything to me. It’s really a job requirement to be on social media these days. I’m on Facebook and Twitter, but that’s about all I can handle right now. My food isn’t interesting enough for me to post pics of on Instagram.
Q)What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I love you all like lovers. You can follow me on Twitter at @wendimclendonco
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